Whether you’re stashing clothing away for the season or storing sentimental pieces you don’t wear, how they’ll keep is directly contingent upon how you prepare them for storage. Don’t only throw clothes in a box, as this will damage them. Check out these clothing packing tips before you pack to make sure they wear as well when they come out as when they went in.

3 Tips to Keep Clothes Safe in Storage

1. Clean Them First

Even if you haven’t worn them in a while, clothes collect dust from sitting in the closet. Make sure everything you plan on storing is clean first. Whether it needs a trip to the dry cleaner or a quick wash and dry at home, the extra time cleaning is worth it later. Insects are less likely to go for clean clothes, as they are after hidden crumbs in the fibers. One they’re fresh they’re ready for storage. Don’t worry about ironing them, as you’ll have to redo it when they come out of storage.

2. Hanging Items

The best way to store some items is on a hanger. Clothes such as sweaters or knit items like shawls will become stretched and altered if they hang for long periods. Delicate items such as those made of silk and lace should hang, whereas you should fold materials prone to stretching. You shouldn’t hang heavy items that bend hangers either. Over time, the hook will give way, and your clothing will end up smashed at the bottom of a garment bag. Make sure the hangers you use for your clothes are sturdy and broad. Place hanging items in a breathable, fabric garment bag for long-term storage.

3. Folded Items

Vacuum sealing is fun. Massive piles of clothes become tiny right before your eyes, but if you plan on storing clothes long-term, you shouldn’t do it. Depriving clothes of air long periods compresses the fibers and damages your clothing. Instead, place foldable items in plastic bins with clip lids. Avoid using cardboard boxes that break down over time or plastic bags that trap moisture in. Stack your clothes in the box with the heaviest items on the bottom. Though it’s tempting to stuff the boxes full to save on space, leave room for air to circulate in the container. If you are storing the garments for an extended time, refold them annually to prevent permanent creases that degrade the fabric. 

Need a safe and secure second home for your garments and other items you don’t need around the house? Treweek Mini Storage in Kalispell, MT, has over 300 units of varying sizes for you to choose. With easy access to your items and affordable rates, they work with you to find the perfect storage solution. Visit them online or call them today at (406) 752-2835 to learn more.